Friday, July 21, 2006
Wants Out of Special Education
Dear Guidance Guy,
I'm going into 7th grade next year and I am in special ed. See, I really want out of that so people don't make fun of me and so I can get straight A's like Supergirl. Please help me.
Clarissa
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Dear Clarissa,
There are many different reasons kids wind up taking a special education program. Most of them are there because they have some kind of learning disability that makes it more difficult for them to learn in a regular setting. Many kids who have a special education label take regular classes but get extra help when they need it. Many kids who get special education help are quite smart. They just need help so they can do their best and overcome challenges they have. Being a special education student doesn't have anything to do with how creative you are, how hard you work or how good a person you are.
Kids who have special education plans have a meeting at least once a year to go over their progress. Next time your meeting comes up, ask the adults in charge about why you are there and about ways you can move toward more regular education classes. The goal of special education is always to put you where you will have the most success. Make sure you listen to what they say.
I promise people will stop making fun of you if you don't let it bother you when they do. Kids make fun of other kids to get a reaction from them. If you stop reacting, it will get boring and the kids who make fun will either move onto someone else or grow up.
If Supergirl were reading this she would tell you to do your best. Straight A's are great, but they have nothing to do with how good a person you are. And something tells me you are a great kid. Just be yourself.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
I'm going into 7th grade next year and I am in special ed. See, I really want out of that so people don't make fun of me and so I can get straight A's like Supergirl. Please help me.
Clarissa
*** *** ***
Dear Clarissa,
There are many different reasons kids wind up taking a special education program. Most of them are there because they have some kind of learning disability that makes it more difficult for them to learn in a regular setting. Many kids who have a special education label take regular classes but get extra help when they need it. Many kids who get special education help are quite smart. They just need help so they can do their best and overcome challenges they have. Being a special education student doesn't have anything to do with how creative you are, how hard you work or how good a person you are.
Kids who have special education plans have a meeting at least once a year to go over their progress. Next time your meeting comes up, ask the adults in charge about why you are there and about ways you can move toward more regular education classes. The goal of special education is always to put you where you will have the most success. Make sure you listen to what they say.
I promise people will stop making fun of you if you don't let it bother you when they do. Kids make fun of other kids to get a reaction from them. If you stop reacting, it will get boring and the kids who make fun will either move onto someone else or grow up.
If Supergirl were reading this she would tell you to do your best. Straight A's are great, but they have nothing to do with how good a person you are. And something tells me you are a great kid. Just be yourself.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
